Lake Tschida Recreation

Lake Tschida is managed locally by Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority in a non-profit cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. All fees collected at the lake are reinvested in to the lake. The Lake is being managed without the use of tax funds as a self-supporting nonprofit venture.

The dam and reservoir are managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for downstream flood control and irrigation. Recreation areas around the lake offer fishing, boating, camping, and swimming. They are now managed by the Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority (TCJJDA).

Fees are being collected at some entrances with self-registration kiosks. Envelopes are provided to complete your registration. The appropriate fee should be enclosed and the envelope deposited at the kiosk.

There are 10 boat ramps on the lake and 10 campground areas, which offer lots of opportunities. The most popular fishing methods are crankbaits, jigs and spinners. Look shallow early and late in the year, as more fishing is done on the west end. As the water temperatures rise, you'll find more fish closer to the channel in deep water, which is found on the east side towards the dam. Historically, it has been known for smaller fish but those who fish it year-round will tell a different story.

Lake Tschida, Heart Butte Reservoir, is the only sizable body of water in the Heart River area and has become a popular recreation center formally managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The reservoir has a surface area of 3,400 acres. Picnicking, swimming, boating, camping and water skiing activities occur in the summer. Fall & winter activities include hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling and ice skating.

Special use permits have been issued to the Boy Scouts and other organizations to utilize designated areas along the shoreline of Lake Tschida. In addition, special use permits have been issued to 238 seasonal cabin & trailer users. Permits are also issued for private grazing and agricultural use of outlying areas

Nine recreation areas provide numerous campsites. Some campsites offer picnic tables, grills, shelters, restrooms and potable water. An RV dump station is provided above the Rimrock Recreation Area and at the Schatz Point Area.

Advance reservations online are available for all campsites.

Handicap accessible campsites are available, please call the office for more information.

FISHING & HUNTING

The 7,575 acres of public land and 3,400 acres of water at the Heart Butte Reservoir offer an abundance of wildlife for hunting, fishing and viewing opportunities year round. Heart Butte is well known for its walleye and northern pikes. A fish cleaning station is provided at the North Shore Concession.

In addition to the abundant fishing, Heart Butte is a popular destination for hunting ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, white-tailed deer and mule deer.

CAMPING

Ten recreation areas provide numerous campsites.

Some campsites offer picnic tables, grills, shelters, restrooms and potable water. An RV dump station is provided above the Rimrock Recreation Area at the Schatz Point Area. Advance reservations are available for all campgrounds. Reservations must be made at least seven (7) days in advance of your arrival otherwise all unreserved sites are available on a first come first serve basis. Self-registration kiosks are conveniently located close to all camping areas.

The Boy Scout area will continue to be open to public use while the scouts are not at camp. However, the area will be for day use only to allow easier access to the fishing pier and bird watching opportunities. No overnight camping will be allowed to the general public.

Lake Tschida is the only sizeable body of water in the area and has become a popular recreation center. Picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, water skiing and fishing are popular summer activities. Fall and winter activities include hunting, cross country skiing, trapping and ice fishing.

ARCHAEOLOGY

Take pictures, make drawings, look, but do not remove archaeologic and geological specimens are part of the heritage of this region, state and nation.